Digital Technologies and Older Persons: A smart mix
February 8, 2021 - This high-level meeting held during the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development was a moderated conversation organized by AARP and DESA in collaboration with ITU and the United Nations Human Rights Special Procedures. The focus lies on a socially just transition towards a sustainable development and the role of key digital and ubiquitous technologies on social development and well-being of all, in times of navigating a COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery efforts.
Speakers included senior officials from the United Nations and private sector who explored how to ensure the inclusion of older people’s needs, interests and perspectives in efforts of the international community to optimize the use of digital technologies and mitigate its risks.
9:00 a.m.
Master of Ceremonies
Erica Dhar, Director Global Advocacy/Alliance, AARP International
9:05 a.m.
Welcome
Peter Rundlet, Vice President, AARP International
9:10 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Elliott Harris, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist, UN DESA
9:20 a.m.
Keynote AddressClaudia Mahler, UN Independent Expert on the human rights of older persons
9:32 a.m.
Stakeholder Discussion and Question and Answer
H.E. Mr. Juan Sandoval Mendiolea, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations, Vice President of ECOSOCAlison Bryant, Senior Vice President, AARP Research, Enterprise Lead, Technology/Digital Equity
Timea Suto, Knowledge Manager, Innovation for All & BASIS, International Chamber of Commerce, Business Action to Support the Information Society
Moderator: Raj Kumar, President & Editor-In-Chief, DEVEX
10:15 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Malcolm Johnson, Deputy Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union
For more information, please contact: Erica Dhar, Director for Global Alliances, AARP: edhar@aarp.orgor Amal Abou Rafeh, Chief, Programme on Ageing, DESA: rafeh@un.org